Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

Is Your Dog Friendly?

The first question in the subject line of this blog is usually directed towards owners of either small dogs, or dogs with fluffy fur. The second question is usually asked of people with German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Boxers or Dobermans.

This is National Bite Prevention Weekand although tips to prevent a bite are plentiful on websites, print media or TV, those tips do not seem to reduce the number of bites people experience on a yearly basis. In fact the number of bites is on the increase. I am not surprised.

Here are some stats from the CDC (Center for Disease Control)1. Nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year

2. One in five dog bites, about 850,000 bites result in injuries serious enough to require medical attention. Half of these are children

3. In 2012, more than 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs

4. The CDC goes on to state that children between the ages of 5-9 years of age are more likely
than adults to receive medical attention for a dog bite

5. Male adults are more likely to be bitten than female adults

6. As the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the incidences of dogs bites. Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs at home

Stats from the American Humane Association

1. Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered

2. Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs

3. Approximately 71% of bites occur to the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet)

4. Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog

5. The insurance industry pays more than $489 million in dog-bite claims each year

6. Approximately 24% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs off of their owners’ property

7. Approximately 58% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners’ property4

Although there are no guarantees here are some tips to help prevent a dog bite:

Spay or neuter your dog. This is not a magic bullet but can help take the edge off

NEVER, EVER leave an infant or young child alone with a dog
c Diane Rich 2014

Teach children to not approach an unfamiliar dog. That doesn’t mean make the child afraid of dogs. Your child will model your behavior so if you ask permission to pet a dog and do so properly your child may emulate you
c Diane Rich 2014

Know your dog and prepare your dog to properly greet guests and if possible prepare your guests for proper meet and greets with your dog. Even if your dog is friendly people should not be given carte blanche with the family pet.
Example: When I lived L.A. I was at a party with friends. One person was playing fetch with the family dog and also enjoyed petting the dog throughout the evening. She thought they became best buddies. When this person was about to leave she went in to hug this dog goodbye and the dog bit her on top of her head. The injury required stitches.

5. Dogs that are fearful, nervous or skittish also need to work with a seasoned professional behavior expert as these dogs if backed into a corner may respond defensively

6. Do not Approach any dog that is tethered in someone’s yard. Or even if tethered outside a storefront

7. Although difficult if you are afraid, do not run from a dog or scream. Remaining motionless is recommended but if a dog is intent on biting, that posture, or rolling up on the ground does not always work

8. If you need to be on the ground, roll up in a ball and protect your face and neck

9. Although dog lovers like to stick their face in the face of an unfamiliar dog or go in for a hug, dogs don’t look at that act of love as intended by the human and many feel encroached upon and restrained. This applies to guests wanting to hug the family dog.

10. Avoid direct eye contact with an unfamiliar dog

And, lastly dogs should not be forced to or expected to just “take it” from a child crawling on them, invading their space on the dog bed, pulling their ears or tail or swatting them. Kids should not be allowed to tease a dog or be next to a dog when that dog is eating.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.